Reel game apparatus for playing sub game and the method thereof

ABSTRACT

Provided is a reel game apparatus and method for playing a sub-game, which operate various sub-games depending on the appearance of specific symbols on a game screen regardless of the winning conditions in a reel game, and includes a main game part for spinning a plurality of reels, each having respective symbols displayed thereon, in a reel game, stopping the reels, and enabling winnings to be awarded when symbols satisfying winning conditions appear, and a sub-game part for playing a first sub-game when the reels stop and a certain number of coin symbols appears, wherein the first sub-game is played to give winnings when coin items are generated in the sub-game part and fall on winning targets.

CROSS REFERENCE

Applicant claims foreign priority under Paris Convention and 35 U.S.C. §119 to a Korean Patent Application No. 10-2007-0107181, filed Oct. 24,2007 with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.

BACKGROUND ART

The present invention relates, in general, to a reel game apparatus andmethod for playing a sub-game, and, more particularly, to a reel gameapparatus and method for playing a sub-game, which operate varioussub-games depending on the appearance of specific symbols on a gamescreen regardless of the winning conditions in a reel game, and whichproduce scenes, such as ceremonies, by causing character images toappear, thus providing pleasure.

Generally, a slot machine, which is a representative game machine, isoperated in such a way that, after a gamer first inserts predeterminedcoins, sets a betting level, and spins a plurality of reels bymanipulating a start button, the gamer stops the reels at his or herdesired time, so that predetermined coins are paid when symbols (images,such as images of a watermelon, a bell, and a cherry) are displayed toform a specific combination on display panels corresponding torespective reels. Further, there is a game operation method in which,when a gamer hits the jackpot, he or she is paid a total amount of moneyaccumulated through a plurality of machines.

Further, a conventional reel game is provided in an independent form, orin the form of a combination with other games, such as a medal game or apoker game. In this case, a typical reel game is played in such a waythat symbols on respective reels are arranged in a new form as a resultof the spinning of the reels, that is, the rotation of the reels, andwinnings corresponding to the results of the arrangement are simplygiven at a time according to the result of the arrangement.

However, the conventional reel game, by which winnings are providedunilaterally and all at one time on the basis of the arrangement ofsymbols, arbitrarily provided according to programmed game rules, isproblematic in that it has limited ability to continuously arouseinterest or attract attention during the reel game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind theabove problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the presentinvention is to provide a reel game apparatus and method for playing asub-game, which operate an independent sub-game without influencing areel game, depending on the appearance of a specific symbol on a gamescreen regardless of the winning conditions in the reel game, and inwhich a coin game, one of the sub-games, is played such that coin itemsdrop while moving up/down/left/right according to the elasticity ofpins, and such that, when the coin items fall on winning targets,predetermined winnings are provided to a user, so that the user'sfeeling of anticipation is increased and interest is stimulated, thuscompensating for the disadvantage of the reel game in that somewhattedious and identical situations are repeated.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

A reel game apparatus and method for playing a sub-game according to thepresent invention to accomplish the above object provides a reel gameapparatus for playing a sub-game, comprising a main game part forspinning a plurality of reels, each having respective symbols displayedthereon, in a reel game, stopping the reels, and enabling winnings to beawarded when symbols satisfying winning conditions appear, and asub-game part for playing a first sub-game when the reels stop and acertain number of coin symbols appears, wherein the first sub-game isplayed to give winnings when coin items are generated in the sub-gamepart and fall on winning targets.

Preferably, the reel game of the main game part may be independentlyplayed while the first sub-game is being played.

Preferably, the first sub-game may be played such that a coin dischargepart formed in an upper portion of a game screen generates the coinitems and drops the coin items down, and such that, when the coin itemspass through spaces between a plurality of fixed pins displayed on thegame screen and reach the winning targets formed in a lower portion ofthe game screen, winnings are awarded.

Preferably, the coin discharge part generates the coin items whilemoving left or right.

Preferably, the fixed pins may form lines while being spaced apart fromeach other on a game screen of the sub-game part so that fixed pinsplaced on an upper line and fixed pins on a lower line alternate, thefixed pins emitting light while bouncing the coin items when collidingwith the coin items.

Preferably, the winning targets may comprise a plurality of winningtargets and continuously move left or right, the winning targets beingconfigured such that different winnings are awarded for respectivewinning targets when the winning targets collide with the coin items.

Preferably, the sub-game part may operate a second sub-game when thereels stop and a certain number of car symbols appears, the secondsub-game being played such that, when a car that wins a car racing gameis picked, winnings are awarded.

Preferably, the sub-game part may operate a third sub-game when thereels stop and a certain number of chance symbols appears, the thirdsub-game being played such that the main game part operates a sub-reelgame, the sub-game part operates a car racing game, and symbols appearto give winnings in the sub-reel game when a car, satisfying a specificcondition presented by an indication part, wins the car racing game.

In addition, a reel game apparatus and method for playing a sub-gameaccording to the present invention to accomplish the above objectprovides a reel game method of playing a sub-game, comprising a maingame step of spinning a plurality of reels, each having respectivesymbols displayed thereon, stopping the reels, and enabling winnings tobe awarded when symbols satisfying winning conditions appear, and asub-game step of playing a first sub-game when the reels stop and acertain number of coin symbols appears, wherein the first sub-game isplayed to award winnings when coin items are generated in a sub-gamepart and fall on winning targets.

Preferably, the first sub-game may comprise a coin generation step of acoin discharge part, which is formed in an upper portion of a gamescreen, generating the coin items and dropping the coin items down, anda winnings awarding step of awarding winnings when the coin itemsgenerated at the coin generation step pass through spaces between aplurality of fixed pins displayed on the game screen and reach thewinning targets formed in a lower portion of the game screen.

Preferably, the sub-game step may be performed such that, when the reelsstop and a certain number of car symbols appears at the main game step,a second sub-game is played, the second sub-game comprising a racinggame step of playing a car racing game, and a winnings awarding step ofawarding winnings when a car that wins the car racing game is picked atthe racing game step.

Preferably, the sub-game step may be performed such that, when the reelsstop and a certain number of chance symbols appears at the main gamestep, a third sub-game is played, the third sub-game comprising asub-reel game step of playing a sub-reel game, a car racing game step ofplaying a car racing game while the sub-reel game is played, and awinnings awarding step of awarding winnings such that, if a carsatisfying a specific condition presented by an indication part wins thecar racing game at the car racing game step, symbols appear to awardwinnings at the sub-reel game step.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

As described above, the present invention can provide a reel gameapparatus and method for playing a sub-game, which operate anindependent sub-game without influencing a reel game, depending on theappearance of a specific symbol on a game screen regardless of thewinning conditions in the reel game, and in which a coin game, one ofthe sub-games, is played such that coin items drop while movingup/down/left/right according to the elasticity of pins, and such that,when the coin items fall on winning targets, predetermined winnings areprovided to a user, so that the user's feeling of anticipation isincreased and interest is stimulated, thus compensating for thedisadvantage of the reel game in that somewhat tedious and identicalsituations are repeated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a reel game apparatus for playing asub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of a reelgame apparatus for playing a sub-game according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the game screen of a reel game apparatus forplaying a sub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the game screen of a first sub-gameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the game screen of a first sub-gameaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the game screen of a first sub-gameaccording to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the game screen of a second sub-gameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the game screen of a third sub-gameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a reel game method of playing a sub-gameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a first sub-game method according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second sub-game method according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a third sub-game method according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS OF IMPORTANT PARTS

-   -   110: main game part    -   111: coin symbol    -   112: car symbol    -   113: chance symbol    -   120: sub-game part    -   128: coin item    -   127: winning target

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described indetail with reference to the attached drawings so as to describe thepresent invention in detail to such an extent that those skilled in theart can easily implement the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a reel game apparatus for playing asub-game according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The game apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is a kind of arcade gamemachine, but it is apparent that the reel game apparatus of the presentinvention is not limited to such an arcade game machine, and can also beapplied to all types of typical electronic games, such as video games ormobile games, or game machines using mechanical reels.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game apparatus includes an advertisement panel10, which displays the type of game and has a lighting element to addinterest to a game, in an upper portion thereof, and a display 20, whichis placed below the advertisement panel 10 and is configured to providea game screen. Further, the game apparatus has a structure in which anoperation panel 30 is placed below the display 20 to form apredetermined angle with the display 20, and in which a payout tray 40is placed below the operation panel 30 and is configured to dischargepresents, coins, medals, or gift certificates, which are paid aswinnings for games.

The lighting element can be arranged on an arbitrary surface of the gameapparatus, such as the outer surface of the display 20, in addition tothe advertisement panel 10, and bill and coin slots and operationbuttons are typically mounted in the operation panel 30. Further, asound device (not shown) for providing sounds related to games can bearranged on the inner or outer surface of the game apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of a reelgame apparatus for playing a sub-game according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reel game apparatus generally includes theprocessor 50 of a microprocessor or microcontroller-based platform, astorage means 60 for storing program code and other types of data, adisplay 85, such as a video monitor or a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)monitor, and at least one input means 83, such as a button.

The storage means 60 may include Random Access Memory (RAM) 61 forstoring event data, or other types of data generated or used during aspecific game. Further, the storage means 60 may include Read OnlyMemory (ROM) 62 for storing program code required to control the gameapparatus so that a game is played depending on predetermined game rulesand win criteria.

Further, the user typically inputs a signal to the game apparatus usingbuttons, but may alternatively input a signal using a touch screen.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, a touch screen 71 and a touch screencontroller 72 can be connected to the processor 50 via a videocontroller 73, and can be used as a display means and an input means,instead of a typical video display device.

Further, since the processor 50 is connected to a bill/coin receiver 81,it can be programmed to prompt the user to deposit a predeterminedamount of money before starting the game.

Further, the game apparatus preferably includes a speaker 89 forproviding sounds or music according to the theme of a game or a bonusscheme.

Meanwhile, the processor 50 and the storage means 60 are described asseparate components, but may be implemented using one or moreApplication Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), wired circuits, ormechanical devices. Further, the processor 50 and the storage means 60are preferably installed in each game apparatus, but some or all givenfunctions can be performed by a central system, such as a network servercapable of communicating with a game field or each game apparatus over aLocal Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), the Internet,wireless connection, etc.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the game screen of a reel gameapparatus for playing a sub-game according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, a main game part 110, which is placed at the centerportion of a game screen 100 corresponding to the display 20, is aportion required to play a reel game, which is a main game, and asub-game part 120, which is placed above the main game part 110, is aportion required to play any one of a first sub-game, a second sub-game,and a third sub-game.

An indication part 130 is provided below the main game part 110, and isconfigured to display and provide details related to game play, using acredit panel CREDIT for indicating the total amount of available moneyobtained as a result of insertion into the apparatus, or winnings, abetting panel BET for indicating the number of possible bets, and apanel WIN for indicating winnings details, such as scores or money wonon the game played. On the credit panel CREDIT, an amount of availablemoney corresponding to the amount of money inserted is indicated, butindication may be made such that the amount of available money isdecreased every game round.

In the main game part 110, a predetermined number of reels, each havingsymbols displayed thereon, is displayed, and the reels are stationarybefore a reel game is started.

Further, when the reels are caused to spin and stop using operationbuttons provided in the operation panel 30, a predetermined symbol (forexample, a symbol enabling scores to be acquired) can appear on at leastone line, independently or together with other symbols.

Therefore, when symbols, corresponding to winning conditions designatedin the game, appear on at least one line, the user can be paid winnings.That is, when symbols successively appear to satisfy predeterminedwinning conditions presented in the reel game, the user wins the gameand receives winnings. In the reel game according to the presentinvention, when three or more symbols, enabling good scores to beacquired, appear successively in a horizontal direction, winningconditions are satisfied, and thus winnings are provided.

The term ‘symbol’ includes indications, such as characters, numbers,pictures, and figures, characters representing human beings or animals,or other types of visual, auditory, or audio-visual representationsrecognizable by human beings.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a reel game can be implemented using N (forexample, 12) reels, on which symbols are arranged in an man shape (forexample, 4*3), or N (for example, 9) reels on which symbols are arrangedin an non shape (for example, 3*3). The number and arrangement of reelscan be variously changed according to embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the game screen 200 of a first sub-gameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a diagramshowing the game screen 200 of a first sub-game according to anotherembodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing thegame screen 200 of a first sub-game according to a further embodiment ofthe present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first sub-game is played such that, when 4 to 12coin symbols 111 appear, a sub-game part 120 operates the firstsub-game, regardless of the winning conditions in a reel game operatedby a main game part 110.

Further, when the first sub-game is played by satisfying the playcondition of the first sub-game, visual, auditory, or audio-visualanimation or other indications, indicating the play of the firstsub-game, can be provided.

When the first sub-game is played, a coin discharge part 121 formed inan upper portion of the sub-game part 120 generates coin items 128having the shape of medals or coins, and drops the coin items down on alower portion of the sub-game part 120.

For example, in a 4*3 reel game, anywhere from 0 to 12 (when all reelsymbols are coin symbols) coin symbols 111 may appear. Therefore, iffour or more coin symbols 111 appear on the reels regardless of winningconditions when the reels are caused to spin and stop, the coindischarge part 121 formed in the upper portion of the sub-game part 120generates coin items 128.

In this case, when four coin symbols 111 appear, the number of coinitems 128 pouring down at the coin discharge part 121 is 5, when fivecoin symbols 111 appear, the number of coin items 128 is 10, when sixcoin symbols 111 appear, the number of coin items 128 is 12, and when 12coin symbols 622 appear in this way, the number of coin items 613 is1000, and thus the generated coin items pour down on the lower portionof the sub-game part 120.

However, when one to three coin symbols 111 appear, coin items 128 arenot generated.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that, when two coinsymbols 111 appear, no variation occurs on the screen. FIG. 5illustrates the case where four coin symbols 111 appear, FIG. 6illustrates the case where six coin symbols 111 appear, and it can beseen that a first sub-game, in which the coin discharge part 121generates coin items 128, is played.

In this case, the coin discharge part 121 generates coin items 128 whilemoving left/right.

Further, the coin items 128, generated in the coin discharge part 121and dropped down, pour down while passing through spaces between aplurality of fixed pins 122, arranged on the screen of the sub-game part120 according to predetermined rules. The fixed pins 122 form each lineand are spaced apart from each other in the sub-game part 120, but it ispreferable that the fixed pins 122 placed on an upper line and fixedpins 122 placed on a lower line be formed to alternate.

When the coin items 128 collide with the fixed pins 122, the fixed pins122 emit light, or output a collision sound, thus indicating thecollision situation.

Further, each of the fixed pins 122 has a kind of elasticity enablingthe coin items 128 to bounce when colliding with the coin items 128.Accordingly, the coin items 128 drop down while movingup/down/left/right. Therefore, when colliding with the fixed pins 122,the coin items 128 bounce and move here and there, thus increasing theuser's feeling of anticipation and providing pleasure.

The coin items 128, having passed through the fixed pins 122, drop tothe lower portion of the sub-game part 120. At this time, when the coinitems 128 fall on a plurality of winning targets 127 which are formed inthe lower portion of the sub-game part 120 and have the shape of an itembelt, the location of which changes depending on a random probability ateach game round, winnings, such as prize money, are awarded.

Meanwhile, when the coin items 128 fall on trunks 129, other than thewinning targets 127, winnings are not awarded.

That is, when each coin item 128 passes through the fixed pins 122formed in the sub-game part 120, and falls on one of the winning targets127 that move across the lower portion of the sub-game part 120,winnings corresponding to the winning target 127 are awarded in the formof a score or the like depending on the type of winnings.

The winning targets 127 can be displayed on the screen in arbitraryshapes, such as cars, horse-drawn carriages, and entertainers' pictures,and winnings details related to the winning targets 127 can be displayedin the form of a score, such as ‘1000’, or ‘2000’ immediately above thewinning targets 127.

Further, the winning targets 127 continuously move to the left or right,and can be indicated in different colors, so that differences betweenwinnings details can be allocated. For example, an embodiment can beimplemented in such a way that, when the winning targets 127 areindicated in yellow, pink, and red, respectively, and a coin item 128falls on the red winning target 127, winnings twice those of the casewhere a coin item 128 falls on winning targets 128 having other colorsare awarded.

Further, when the coin item 128 falls on the winning targets 127, and awin is achieved, the dancing of a character image 123, such as an imageof a racing model, is provided together with the ceremony of thecharacter image 123. Therefore, a spectacle and pleasure are provided toa game that might otherwise bore the user.

Further, referring to FIG. 6, three coin symbols 111 successively appearin a vertical direction, but the winning condition of the reel gameaccording to the present invention is the condition in which three ormore symbols, satisfying winning conditions, must appear in a horizontaldirection, and thus the number of coin items 128 generated by the coindischarge part 121 is determined according to the number of coin symbols111 that appear, regardless of whether a win is achieved.

Meanwhile, the first sub-game can be played independent of a reel game.That is, even when 4 to 12 coin symbols 111 appear in the reel game andthe first sub-game is being played, the reel game can be continuouslyplayed.

Therefore, when the reel game is played, and three or more symbols,enabling good scores to be acquired, successively appear in a horizontaldirection even when the sub-game part 120 operates the first sub-game,winning conditions are satisfied, and thus winnings can be provided.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the game screen 300 of a second sub-gameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

When 4 to 12 car symbols 112 appear in a reel game operated by the maingame part 110, regardless of winning conditions enabling winnings to beawarded, a second sub-game is played.

Further, when the second sub-game starts by satisfying the startcondition of the second sub-game, visual, auditory, or audio-visualanimation, or other indications, indicating the start of the secondsub-game, may be provided.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second sub-game is operated by the sub-game part120 in the form of a car racing game 310.

Therefore, the user plays a game of picking a car that will win the carracing game 310. When the user has picked a car to win the car racinggame, the race proceeds to the next stage. When the user has also pickedthe car to win the car racing game in the race of the next stage, therace proceeds to the next stage. The race can be played up to a maximumof 10 times. Therefore, as the number of times that the user picked thecar to win increases, prize money increases.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when a user picks a second car 340, andthe second car 340 wins the race in the case where a first car 330, thesecond car 340, and a third car 350 race each other, prize money isawarded to the user, and the race proceeds to the next stage. Further,when the user wins the racing game, the dancing of a character image123, such as a racing model image, is displayed together with theceremony of the character image 123. Therefore, a spectacle and pleasureare provided to the game that might otherwise bore the user.

Meanwhile, when the first car 330 or the third car 350 wins the race inthe case where the second car 340 is picked, the game is over.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the game screen 400 of a third sub-gameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

When 4 to 12 chance symbols 113 appear in the reel game operated by themain game part 110, regardless of winning conditions enabling winningsto be awarded, a third sub-game is played.

When the third sub-game starts by satisfying the start condition of thethird sub-game, visual, auditory, or audio-visual animation, or otherindications indicating the start of the third sub-game, can be provided.

As shown in FIG. 8, the third sub-game is played in such a way that themain game part 110 operates a sub-reel game 510, the background of thesub-game part 120 changes to the nighttime, and a racing game 410, inwhich both racing cars and an indication part 420, indicating apredetermined condition, appear, is played.

The indication part 420 presents a predetermined condition speciallydefined in the game, and can be displayed in various colors. Theindication part 420 can be configured to give winnings if thepredetermined condition presented by the indication part 420 issatisfied. For example, when the indication part 420 indicates a redcolor, and a car having the same color as the indication part 420 winsthe race, symbols satisfying winning conditions are made to appear inthe sub-reel game 510 in the form of a table game, rather than a naturalprobability, and thus winnings are awarded.

In the sub-reel game 510 in the third sub-game, since symbolscorresponding to the winning conditions appear in the form of a tablegame, the probability of winning is increased.

Further, when the user wins the sub-reel game, the dancing of acharacter image 450, such as a racing model image, is provided togetherwith the ceremony of the character image 450. Therefore, a spectacle andpleasure are provided to the game, which might otherwise bore the user.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a reel game method of playing a sub-gameaccording to the present invention, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing afirst sub-game method according to the present invention, FIG. 11 is aflowchart showing a second sub-game method according to the presentinvention, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a third sub-game methodaccording to the present invention.

Hereinafter, a game method according to embodiments of the presentinvention is described in detail.

First, a user deposits a certain amount of money by inserting the moneyinto a bill or coin slot provided in the operation panel 30.

On the indication part 130, a dashboard having the shape of aspeedometer is displayed, and indicates ‘0’ when a game is initiallyloaded. When an amount of money is deposited, a number indicated on thedashboard 130 increases while being displayed in different colorsdepending on the amount of money deposited, and the amount of moneyinserted is indicated on the credit panel CREDIT at step S100.

Next, when an amount of money sufficient to play a game has beeninserted, betting is conducted at step S200, and a reel game is playedthrough the main game part 110 at step S300.

Next, reels spin and then stop at step S400. When symbols successivelyappear according to winning conditions presented in the game at stepS800, winnings, such as prize money, are awarded at step S810.

However, when the reels stop at step S400, and four or more coin symbols111 appear in the reel game regardless of the winning conditionsenabling winnings to be awarded at step S500, the sub-game part 120operates a first sub-game at step S510.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the first sub-game, when 4 to 12 coinsymbols 111 appear on the reels, the coin discharge part 121 formed inthe upper portion of the sub-game part 120 generates medal orcoin-shaped coin items 128 and drops the coin items down at step S511.

Further, when the coin items 128 fall on the winning targets 127, formedin the lower portion of the sub-game part 120 in the form of an itembelt, and hit the winning targets 127 at step S512, winnings, such asprize money, are awarded at step S513.

However, when the reels stop at step S400, and four or more car symbols625 appear in the reel game regardless of the winning conditionsenabling winnings to be awarded at step S600, a second sub-game isplayed at step S610.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second sub-game is played in such a way that,when four car symbols 112 appear, regardless of the lines on the reels,the sub-game part 120 operates a car racing game 310 at step S611.

Therefore, a game allowing the user to pick the car that will win therace in the car racing game 310 is played. When the user has picked thecar to win at step S612, the race proceeds to the next stage at stepS613. Further, when the user has also picked the car to win at stepS614, the race proceeds to the next stage. The race can be played up toa maximum of 10 times at step S615. As the number of times that the userpicked the car to win increases, winnings, such as prize money, increaseat step S616.

Meanwhile, when the reels stop at step S400, and four chance symbols113, indicating a chance condition, appear in the reel game regardlessof winning conditions at step S700, a third sub-game is played at stepS710.

As shown in FIG. 8, the third sub-game is played in such a way that,when four or more chance symbols 113 appear in the reel game, regardlessof the winning conditions enabling winnings to be awarded, the main gamepart 110 operates a sub-reel game 510 at step S711. Further, thebackground of the sub-game part 120 is changed to the nighttime, and aracing game 410, in which both racing cars and the indication part 420appear, is played.

The indication part 420 can be displayed in various colors. When a carhaving the same color as the color of the indication part 420 wins therace, symbols appear to satisfy winning conditions in the sub-reel game510, and a win is achieved in the sub-reel game 510 at step S712.Further, the dancing of the character image 450 is provided togetherwith the winning ceremony of the character image 450 at step S713, andwinnings, such as prize money, are awarded at step S714.

In this way, the sub-games according to the embodiments of the presentinvention, which compensate for a simple basic winning method and arepeated screen configuration in a conventional reel game, can beutilized in various reel games, as well as the present invention, assub-games. In particular, a coin game, which is one of the sub-games,increases the user's feeling of anticipation and provides pleasure tothe user while moving coin items up/down/left/right according to theelasticity of pins, and thus it may be an excellent method capable ofcompensating for the disadvantage of a typical reel game, in whichsomewhat boring and identical situations are repeated.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, andthose skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications,additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention.

1. A reel game apparatus for playing a sub-game, comprising: a main gamepart for spinning a plurality of reels, each having respective symbolsdisplayed thereon, in a reel game, stopping the reels, and enablingwinnings to be awarded when symbols satisfying winning conditionsappear; and a sub-game part for playing a first sub-game when the reelsstop and a certain number of coin symbols appears, wherein the firstsub-game is played to give winnings when coin items are generated in thesub-game part and fall on winning targets.
 2. The reel game apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the reel game of the main game part isindependently played while the first sub-game is being played.
 3. Thereel game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first sub-game isplayed such that a coin discharge part formed in an upper portion of agame screen generates the coin items and drops the coin items down, andsuch that, when the coin items pass through spaces between a pluralityof fixed pins displayed on the game screen and reach the winning targetsformed in a lower portion of the game screen, winnings are awarded. 4.The reel game apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the coin dischargepart generates the coin items while moving left or right.
 5. The reelgame apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fixed pins form lineswhile being spaced apart from each other on a game screen of thesub-game part so that fixed pins placed on an upper line and fixed pinson a lower line alternate, the fixed pins emitting light while bouncingthe coin items when colliding with the coin items.
 6. The reel gameapparatus according to claim 3, wherein the winning targets comprise aplurality of winning targets and continuously move left or right, thewinning targets being configured such that different winnings areawarded for respective winning targets when the winning targets collidewith the coin items.
 7. The reel game apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the sub-game part operates a second sub-game when the reels stopand a certain number of car symbols appears, the second sub-game beingplayed such that, when a car that wins a car racing game is picked,winnings are awarded.
 8. The reel game apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the sub-game part operates a third sub-game when the reels stopand a certain number of chance symbols appears, the third sub-game beingplayed such that the main game part operates a sub-reel game, thesub-game part operates a car racing game, and symbols appear to givewinnings in the sub-reel game when a car, satisfying a specificcondition presented by an indication part, wins the car racing game. 9.A reel game method of playing a sub-game, comprising: a main game stepof spinning a plurality of reels, each having respective symbolsdisplayed thereon, stopping the reels, and enabling winnings to beawarded when symbols satisfying winning conditions appear; and asub-game step of playing a first sub-game when the reels stop and acertain number of coin symbols appears, wherein the first sub-game isplayed to award winnings when coin items are generated in a sub-gamepart and fall on winning targets.
 10. The reel game method according toclaim 9, wherein the first sub-game comprises: a coin generation step ofa coin discharge part, which is formed in an upper portion of a gamescreen, generating the coin items and dropping the coin items down; anda winnings awarding step of awarding winnings when the coin itemsgenerated at the coin generation step pass through spaces between aplurality of fixed pins displayed on the game screen and reach thewinning targets formed in a lower portion of the game screen.
 11. Thereel game method according to claim 9, wherein the sub-game step isperformed such that, when the reels stop and a certain number of carsymbols appears at the main game step, a second sub-game is played, thesecond sub-game comprising: a racing game step of playing a car racinggame; and a winnings awarding step of awarding winnings when a car thatwins the car racing game is picked at the racing game step.
 12. The reelgame method according to claim 9, wherein the sub-game step is performedsuch that, when the reels stop and a certain number of chance symbolsappears at the main game step, a third sub-game is played, the thirdsub-game comprising: a sub-reel game step of playing a sub-reel game; acar racing game step of playing a car racing game while the sub-reelgame is played; and a winnings awarding step of awarding winnings suchthat, if a car satisfying a specific condition presented by anindication part wins the car racing game at the car racing game step,symbols appear to award winnings at the sub-reel game step.